Releasable Sensor Module in Athletic Apparel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements integrated into athletic apparel are often bulky and uncomfortable due to releasable electronics modules that are difficult to connect or separate, and inseparable modules risk damage from moisture during washing.
Innovation Solution
A garment with a receptacle housing and electrode leads that securely hold a releasable electronics module, allowing easy connection and disconnection while preventing moisture intrusion through a design that keeps electrical contacts parallel to the body, ensuring comfort and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If releasable electronics modules are used in sensor arrangements integrated into apparel, then the sensor arrangement can be separated from the garment, but the resulting arrangement becomes bulky and uncomfortable for the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sensor arrangement into two separable parts: a permanent receptacle integrated into the garment and a removable electronics module. The receptacle contains the sensor lead and connection interface, while the electronics module contains the electronic components. This segmentation allows the electronics to be removed when not in use, eliminating bulkiness and improving comfort, while maintaining the ability to easily attach and detach the module as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If releasable electronics modules are used in sensor arrangements integrated into apparel, then the electronics can be moved to different devices, but the modules become difficult to connect to or separate from the garment
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics module is designed to nest within the receptacle housing, with the module housing fitting inside the receptacle housing when connected. This nested configuration provides a secure connection while maintaining ease of operation, as the module can be simply inserted into and removed from the receptacle without complex mechanisms.
3Reliability
If electronics components are potted in polymer material fixed to garment, then the components are sealed and protected from moisture, but small imperfections such as cracks or tears allow moisture to seep in and destroy the electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the electronics module from the garment structure, placing it in a separate removable housing rather than potting it directly into the garment. The receptacle housing provides a sealed environment for the connection interface, while the removable module can be easily detached for drying or replacement, eliminating the risk of moisture intrusion through polymer cracks or tears.
4Ease of manufacture
If electronics components are potted in polymer material fixed to garment, then the sensor arrangement can be washed by hand or machine, but the potting material may crack or tear over time, damaging the electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the sensor arrangement into a permanent receptacle integrated into the washable garment and a removable electronics module. The receptacle housing is designed to be washable with the garment, while the electronics module can be removed before washing to prevent any potential damage from water exposure or mechanical stress during the washing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A garment comprising a sensor, a body portion, a receptacle provided on the body portion, and an electronics module positioned in the receptacle. The receptacle comprises a receptacle housing, a sensor lead, and a receptacle contact. The receptacle housing forms a socket including a back wall and at least one sidewall. The sensor lead abuts the receptacle contact and is retained within a channel extending through the at least one sidewall. The receptacle contact includes a contact surface exposed to the socket with the contact surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the back wall of the socket. The electronics module is releasably positioned within the socket and includes at least one module contact. The at least one module contact abuts the receptacle contact and is electrically connected to the sensor lead when the electronics module is positioned within the socket.